Overview
- Premier Jacinta Allan activated a state of disaster for 18 local government areas and a total fire ban as evacuations continued across threatened communities.
- Authorities say the Longwood blaze is the largest, burning about 130,000 to 150,000 hectares, with major fires also active near Walwa and Ravenswood South.
- Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch reported at least 130 structures destroyed statewide, with assessments ongoing and the toll expected to rise.
- Victoria Police confirmed three people previously unaccounted for in Longwood are safe, while a man found dead in a vehicle near Ravenswood South is under investigation and not believed to be directly fire-related.
- Tens of thousands remain without electricity, thousands of firefighters are deployed with interstate support requested, and officials warn dangerous, changeable conditions will persist for days.